MANILA - Virtual reality is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when people visit a bank branch, but for UnionBank, VR is a tool that can change not just how people view banks but the banking experience itself.

"Instead of banking being a chore, we want it to be a positive experience. How to do that? that's the marketing challenge," said Edwin Bautista, UnionBank's newly-appointed president and CEO.

At The Ark, UnionBank's pilot digital bank in Makati, there are padded, bright-colored benches, free flowing coffee and even VR goggles where customers who want a car or housing loan can preview their dream vehicle or home.

Bautista, in an exclusive interview with ANC's The Boss, said the rationale here is that most people don’t go into a bank to inquire about a loan. Instead, they want to figure out how to achieve their life goals.